Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/327

BOOK XI.] But, speaking more in charity, the dream

Flattered the young, pleased with extremes, nor least

With that which makes our Reason's naked self

The object of its fervour. What delight!

How glorious! in self-knowledge and self-rule,

To look through all the frailties of the world,

And, with a resolute mastery shaking off

Infirmities of nature, time, and place,

Build social upon personal Liberty,

Which, to the blind restraints of general laws

Superior, magisterially adopts

One guide, the light of circumstances, flashed

Upon an independent intellect.

Thus expectation rose again; thus hope,

From her first ground expelled, grew proud once more.

Oft, as my thoughts were turned to human kind,

I scorned indifference; but, inflamed with thirst

Of a secure intelligence, and sick

Of other longing, I pursued what seemed

A more exalted nature; wished that Man

Should start out of his earthy, worm-like state,

And spread abroad the wings of Liberty,

Lord of himself, in undisturbed delight—

A noble aspiration! yet I feel

(Sustained by worthier as by wiser thoughts)